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Confirm your ZIP
We check that your address is in CenterPoint territory and which competitive plans are available there.
ERCOT
Houston · CenterPoint
Compare Houston electricity plans before the summer heat hits
Start service, transfer when you move, or switch retail providers in the Houston area. CenterPoint keeps delivering your power either way.
Or call now — free quote (888) 272-9921
ERCOT market
How electricity works in Houston
Houston sits in the competitive ERCOT market, so you pick a retail electric provider for your plan while CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric owns the poles and wires, reads the meter, and restores outages. CenterPoint’s delivery area covers Houston and many surrounding communities, but a few nearby neighborhoods and suburbs are served by a different delivery company, so the safest way to know is to confirm by ZIP code or call us. Houston homes run air conditioning for a long stretch of the year, which makes the kWh rate and contract length worth a close look before you sign.
ImportantCenterPoint delivers electricity in most of the Houston area but does not sell you a plan. Comparing only changes your retail provider and supply rate. Delivery and outage response stay the same.
How it works
How to get electricity in Houston
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Match a plan to your usage
Compare fixed and variable rates, contract lengths, and fees for a home that runs A/C through the summer.
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Set your start date
Choose a move-in date for a new address, transfer service from your old one, or switch providers at home.
Local notes
What to know for Houston
Location-specific details to help you compare and plan.
Population & market
~2.3 million residents
Typical usage
Hot and humid summers drive some of the highest usage in Texas.
Seasonal tips
Houston AC demand is intense — compare by your real summer usage, not the teaser rate.
Utility check
Most of Houston is CenterPoint territory. Confirm by ZIP.
Benefits
Why compare plans in Houston?
Plans built for hot summers
Look at how a rate behaves when your usage climbs, not just the headline price.
Move-in ready
Renters, buyers, and people relocating to Houston can line up power before the keys change hands.
Keep the same wires
Switching retail providers does not change your meter, your poles, or who restores an outage.
A real person to ask
Talk through deposits, contract terms, and start dates with an advisor at no cost to you.
Compare with confidence
Starting service, moving, or switching? We’ll help
Share your ZIP and whether you need new service, a transfer, or a provider switch. A licensed advisor compares ERCOT retail plans for your TDSP territory — free, no obligation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who delivers electricity in Houston?
In most of Houston the delivery company is CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric. Some nearby areas are served by other delivery companies, so confirm your address by ZIP or call us.
Who do I call if my power goes out in Houston?
Call CenterPoint, the company that owns and repairs the local lines. Your retail electric provider handles billing and your plan, not restoration.
How do I start electric service at a new Houston address?
Pick a retail provider and plan, give them your service address and preferred start date, and they schedule the connection with CenterPoint. Have your ID and lease or closing details ready.
Will switching providers interrupt my power?
No. Your meter and lines stay the same. The switch is a billing and supply change handled behind the scenes.
Is comparing Houston electricity plans free?
Yes. Comparing plans and talking with our advisors costs you nothing.
What is a TDSP, and who is mine in Houston, Texas?
A TDSP (Transmission and Distribution Service Provider) is the regulated utility that owns the poles, wires and meters, reads your meter and restores power after an outage. It does not sell you an electricity plan and its delivery charges are the same whichever retail provider you choose. Your TDSP depends on your service address — in some areas more than one utility serves the same city — so confirm it by ZIP code or call us for a free check.
What is a retail electric provider (REP)?
A retail electric provider (REP) is the licensed company that sells you the electricity itself: it sets the rate per kWh, the contract term and the fees on your plan, and it bills you. In the ERCOT market you can shop and switch between REPs freely, while your TDSP keeps delivering the power, so switching never means new wires, a new meter or a service interruption.
Texas coverage
Compare electricity plans across Texas
New to energy deregulation? Need help finding a plan?
Call our Expert Consultants:
Speak with a licensed energy advisor — completely free, no obligation.
(888) 272-9921Get a free Houston electricity quote
Call to compare plans for your Houston address and set your start date.
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